Broncos LB Wesley Woodyard says he will play vs. Colts

Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard missed last Sunday’s game against Jacksonville after injuring his neck in Dallas. Both he and defensive end Robert Ayers, who also was injured in Dallas, have returned to practice this week for the Broncos, and though Woodyard has been limited all week, he told assembled media on Thursday that he will play in Indianapolis.

If Woodyard does indeed play, the Broncos will have more of their big-name defensive players active than they have all season; Von Miller returns from his suspension, and Champ Bailey played against Jacksonville.

“It feels good,” Woodyard said. “We’re back out there flying around. It’s good to get Von back out there, Champ back healthy. It’s good, it feels good.”

Ayers has also been limited in this week’s practices. Sylvester Williams, who was limited Wednesday, practiced in full Thursday.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.